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Public Register of Environmental Information - Pollution from Industry

Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Register

The register contains information about industrial processes which could cause significant pollution to air, land and water. It includes copies of each application for an IPPC permit, the permit issued, any amendments to it and any monitoring information required under the terms of the permit.

(IPPC = pollution control system are those which are potentially the most polluting or technologically complex industrial and other processes. It applies to pollution of air, land and water).

(IPPC permit = a written approval document which lays down what factory has to do to control pollution. Applications for a permit are made when a person proposes to start up a new factory or to change substantially an existing factory).

Local Authority Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (LA-IPPC) and Local Authority Pollution Prevention and Control (LAPPC) Register.

Relevant Legislation: The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2007 (The EPR) were introduced under the Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999 and build on existing systems. The EPR have replaced the pollution control regime set up under the Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations 2000.

The register will include copies of each application for a LA-IPPC or LAPPC permit, the permit issued, any amendments to it and monitoring information on compliance with the permit.

In accordance with the regulations, Birmingham City Council keeps a public register of information, relating to each permitted process. The register can be viewed free of charge by appointment at the following address:

Chemical Release Inventory

The Inventory contains details on each permit (IPPC and radioactive substances) issued by the Environment Agency. The details include operator name, locality by county and District Council, the type and subtype of industry, limits imposed on particular substances, actual releases of substances and any unauthorised release of substances.
The figures are presented in many different ways, i.e. Geographically, by industry, by substance etc. The CRI is a computer database from which Environmental Agency staff will make searches on request. An extract is also published annually giving details of releases of the different substances.

Register of Industrial Works - the 'Air Register'

The register contains details of industrial processes generally with the greatest potential to cause air pollution. This includes company details and the nature of the work they do, including a description of the source, nature and amount of any noxious or offensive substance that may be emitted into the atmosphere as a result of carrying on the work.

Improvement and prohibition notices with environmental implications that have been served on companies in the Air Register are also included. (See below under the 'Register of improvement and prohibition notices having environmental implications').

The pre-1989 Air Register

The register contains details of industrial processes generally with the greatest potential to cause air pollution, applying to those works registered before 1989. This will include the name and address of the premises, the name and address of the owner of the works, the name of the local authority in whose area the works is situated and the date when the works was erected.

Register of Improvement and Prohibition Notices having environmental implications

The register contains copies of improvement and prohibition notices having environmental implications. These notices require employers to remedy breaches of law where those breaches have environmental implications, i.e. relating to the control of dangerous substances and certain emissions into the atmosphere.

Details will include the name and address of premises on which the notice was served, alleged statutory breach, action required and date by which action must be taken.